who paid for leif erikson's voyage

Leif Eriksson

Norse explorer Leif Eriksson is credited with being the first European to reach North America.

Who Was Leif Eriksson?

Although various accounts exist, the differences in their details often make it difficult to separate fact and legend when discussing the life of Norse explorer Leif Eriksson. He is believed to have been born circa 960–970 A.D., the second of three sons of Erik the Red, who founded the first European settlement on what is now Greenland. As Erik the Red’s father had been banished from Norway and settled in Iceland, it is likely that Leif was born there and raised in Greenland. However, from here the facts become as diverse as the spelling of his name.

By most accounts, around the year 1000, Eriksson sailed from Greenland to Norway where he served in the court of King Olaf I Tryggvason, who converted him from Norse paganism to Christianity. Soon thereafter, Olaf commissioned Eriksson to proselytize across Greenland and spread Christianity to the settlers there as well. Although Eriksson would eventually make it back to Greenland, it is the details and motives of his return route that are the subject of most debate.

In the 13th-century Icelandic account The Saga of Erik the Red, Eriksson’s ships are said to have drifted off course on the return voyage home, finding dry ground at last on the North American continent. They are most likely to have disembarked in what is now Nova Scotia, which Eriksson named Vinland, perhaps in reference to the wild grapes that his landing party saw there. However, The Saga of the Greenlanders , which dates to the same era, suggests that Eriksson had heard already learned of “Vinland” from another seamen, Bjarni Herjólfsson, who had already been there more than a decade earlier, and that Eriksson sailed there on purpose, landing first in an icy region he named “Helluland” (believed now to be Baffin Island) and the heavily forested “Markland” (thought to be Labrador) before eventually making his way eventually to the more hospitable Vinland.

Whatever his motives, or the lack thereof, Eriksson is generally credited as the first European to set foot on the shores of North America, nearly five centuries before Christopher Columbus would arrive in 1492. But all suggest that Eriksson was most likely a member of an early Viking voyage to North America, if not, in fact, the leader of that first expedition.

Despite his exploration, Eriksson would never colonize the region, nor did his brothers Thorvald Eriksson and Freydis Eiríksdóttir or Icelander Thorfinn Karlsefni, who visited Vinland after Eriksson. Returning to Greenland, Eriksson spent his efforts spreading Christianity. His mother, Thjodhild, became an early convert and built Greenland’s first Christian church, at Brattahlid, Erik the Red’s home in the east of the settlement. As for Eriksson, he is believed to have lived out his life in Greenland, dying somewhere around the year 1020.

The exact location of Vinland is not known, but in 1963 ruins of an 11th-century Viking settlement were discovered at L’Anse-aux-Meadows in northern Newfoundland. Now labeled a UNESCO National Historic Site, it is the oldest European settlement to have been found in North America, and more than 2,000 Viking objects have been recovered from it, supporting accounts that Eriksson and his men wintered there before setting sail for home.

In recognition of Eriksson’s pioneering voyage, in September 1964 the United States Congress authorized the president of the United States to declare each October 9 as Leif Eriksson Day, a national day of observance. Over the years, various groups have attempted to elevate the celebration, but due in part to the fact that Christopher Columbus’s later voyage resulted more directly in European migration to North America, its status has remained unchanged.

Despite this, Eriksson’s voyage is commemorated by statues throughout the United States, and in Newfoundland, Norway, Iceland and Greenland, and Iceland’s Exploration Museum annually presents its Leif Eriksson Awards for achievements in the field of exploration.

QUICK FACTS

Name: Leif Eriksson
Birth Year: 970
Birth Country: Iceland
Gender: Male
Best Known For: Norse explorer Leif Eriksson is credited with being the first European to reach North America.
Nacionalities
Icelander (Iceland)
Interesting Facts
Death Year: 1020

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Leif Erikson: The Full Story (History, Facts & Timeline)

Leif “the Lucky” Erikson might not have been a stereotypical Viking conqueror like some of his perhaps more famous Norse contemporaries, but he is still one of the greatest and most renowned Vikings of all time. This is of course due to his epic feat of being the first European to set foot in North America, more than 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

But how did he end up crossing the Atlantic, and how was he able to do it so many years before the European colonial super powers of the 15th century managed to do it?

Let’s take a look at the full story of Leif Erikson; who he was, where he came from, and what he managed to accomplish in his lifetime.

ℹ️ I’ll be leaning on the Norse sagas as well as modern-day scientific studies as sources for descriptions, dates, and locations in this article, in an attempt to provide as accurate a timeline as possible for the life and feats of Leif Erikson.

Leif Erikson is born in Iceland

Leif's father Erik the Red Discovers and Settles in Greenland with His Family

Leif is sent to Fight for Norwegian King Olaf I, who baptizes him

Leif erikson accidentally discovers and lands in north america, vikings have established a settlement in newfoundland (l’anse aux meadows), leif erikson dies, and is succeeded by his son thorkel as chieftan of greenland, how was leif erikson described in the sagas, when did leif erikson discover america.

Leif Erikson's Father: Erik the Red
Leif Erikson's Sons: Thorgils and Thorkell
Leif Erikson's Sister: Freydis Eiriksdottir
Leif Erikson's Legacy

When and Why is Leif Erikson Day Celebrated?

Do we know for sure that leif erikson discovered north america, a timeline of leif erikson’s life.

The son of Erik the Red and Thjodhild

Leif’s father Erik the Red Discovers and Settles in Greenland with His Family

Banished from Iceland, Erik sets sail westwards and is rewarded with the discovery of a new, great island. He names it Greenland in hopes that more people will follow him and his family there.

In order to get a proper Viking education, Leif is sent to Norway to serve as a retainer to the King. Leif would distinguish himself in combat, sports, and social manoeuvring whilst in Norway.

Leif is sent on a mission to Chrisitanize Greenland by King Olaf I, but is blown off course by a major storm on the voyage over. He finds himself off the coast of a new and unknown land, and sets foot in North America as the first European in history.

By means of carbon and radioactive dating a 2022 study published in Nature shows the exact date of the presence of a Viking settlement in North America.

~1019-1025 CE

Who Was Leif Erikson? Leif’s Origins & Persona

Erikson was born around 970 CE in Iceland, the son of Erik the Red and his wife Thjodhild (or Thorhild as she is called in Hauksbók ). As you may know, Leif’s father Erik was also a renown Viking explorer; discovering and naming Greenland, and founding the first Norse settlement in Greenland in 986 CE.

In other words, Leif spent his early childhood in Iceland and moved to Greenland with his family when he was approaching his teens.

Leif would eventually leave Greenland as a young adult to grow up like many other well-bred Norsemen at the time; shaped and destined for greatness by serving a King as a warrior (more specifically retainer for Norwegian King Olaf Tryggvason ).

While serving King Olaf I , he would distinguish himself in combat, sports, and generally navigating the Viking ways of life very well.

Leif Erikson was described as being a man of great physical strength and stature, of striking appearance, and with a wise and generous demeanor.

The Adventures & History of Leif Erikson

By all accounts, Eriksson was an accomplished Viking and a skilled shipbuilder and navigator. He is known to have sailed to Greenland, North America, and possibly even as far as the east coast of modern-day New England, USA.

In short, Leif discovered America around the year 1000, after a storm blew his ship (on a voyage from Norway to Greenland) astray. Against all odds they found themselves on the North American coastline instead, where he would land and explore this new and bountiful land as the first European in history.

It should also be noted that many believe that Bjarni Herjólfsson technically was the first Viking to discover America, as had explored west of Greenland around 986 CE and brought home tales of a foreign land. Since he did not land or bring anything back as proof of his discovery, it’s told that no one actually believed him.

Anyway, the full story goes that Leif set sails from Norway back towards his father’s Greenland, tasked with a mission to Christianize the heathen Vikings by King Olaf .

During the voyage Leif and his ships found themselves in a raging storm, tossed around without much hope of finding land.

But land they found, and as described in Erik the Red’s Saga, it was likely the moment he found and landed in North America:

After being tossed about at sea for a long time he chanced upon land where he had not expected any to be found. Fields of self-sown wheat and vines were growing there; also, there were trees known as maple, and they took specimens of all of them. Erik the Red’s Saga, Page 661, Chapter 5

After this chance discovery of a continent that had only been rumoured by the likes of Bjarni Herjólfsson (who had explored westward around 986 CE and reported sights of a new land, but not been taken seriously by his fellow Norsemen), Leif and his crew landed and explored this new land they would call Vinland (after the vines).

Leif eventually sailed back towards Greenland, when he found “men clinging to a ship’s wreck, whom he brought home and found shelter for over the winter”.

Saving these men, and telling the tale of his very fortunate discovery and exploration of Vinland not only showed his kindness and strong character to his fellow Norsemen, they were also the main factors behind his new nickname: Leif the Lucky.

Here’s a pretty good video that tells about Leif’s adventures straight from the Saga of Erik the Red, if you’d like to dive even deeper into the adventures of Leif Erikson:

Leif Erikson discovers America // 999 AD // The Saga of Erik the Red

Leif Erikson’s Family

Leif erikson’s father: erik the red.

Erik Thorvaldsson (a.k.a. Erik the Red) was born in Norway 950 CE, but hrough the misdeeds of his father, the family was banished from Norway to Iceland when Erik was still young.

In keeping up with family tradition, Eric was in turn also banished from Iceland after being accused of manslaughter in 982 CE.

This time he couldn’t go further west, as there wasn’t really anywhere else to go that people knew of at the time. But according to legend, he sailed westward in search of new land anyway, perhaps because of how desperate he was to leave Iceland behind.

Here’s an informative video, if you prefer to watch instead of read:

Erik the Red: The Saga of Viking Greenland

He is believed to have discovered Greenland in 982 CE, and named it “Greenland” either to entice settlers to the frozen land, or because of how beautiful the green fjords were.

Either way, Erik managed to get many Norsemen to eventually relocate along with him to Greenland, where they established settlements and farmed the land.

Erik moved his whole family to Greenland; his wife Tjodhill, their three sons Thorvald, Thorstein, and Leif, and their daughter Freydis. They were the first permanent settlers of Greenland, and along with the other Norsemen they established two settlements on the southwestern coast of Greenland, near present-day Nuuk and Qaqortoq.

He was the first known European to explore and map the coasts of Greenland, which were often marred by icebergs and at the time seen as uninhabited.

The Norse settlements in Greenland thrived for centuries, until they were ultimately destroyed by climate change and the incoming Inuit people, who had come from North America (and still live there today).

He was nicknamed “the Red” due to his red hair and beard, and was a very skilled navigator who was part of a select few who were able to traverse the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Leif Erikson’s Sons: Thorgils and Thorkell

Before Leif ended up in Norway to fight with Olaf I , his ship from Greenland was driven off course to the Hebrides outside Scotland. During this short stay there, he got romantically involved with a noble Norse woman called Thorgunna , who ended up pregnant.

Although he did acknowledge being the father and loved Thorgunna by all accounts, he had little interest in marrying or settling down, and even less so in abducting a woman of noble birth against her family’s will. So he left for Norway as soon as he could, before his first son Thorgils was born.

Thorgunna wasn’t happy at all about this, and responded in the following way according to Eirik the Red’s Saga :

I will raise the boy and send him to you in Greenland as soon as he is of an age to travel with others. But it’s my guess that he will serve you as well as you have served me now with your departure. I intend to come to Greenland myself before it’s all over. Thorgunna in Eirik the Red’s Saga, Chapter 5

Thorgils would indeed later be sent to his father in Greenland, but was described as generally “uncanny” by most people and although welcomed by his father, he was seen as illegitimate by most others.

We do not know as much about Leif’s second son, Thorkell, but it was ultimately he who succeeded Leif as chieftain of Greenland, so we can assume he was seen as his legitimate heir (despite being the younger brother).

It does seem like Leif, like most Norse people at the time, had a special affinity towards the thunder god Thor, as he named both of his sons after him. If you’d like to learn more about Thor, I’ve written a complete guide to Thor in Norse mythology, where we explore everything there is to know about the Norse god of thunder .

Thor in Norse Mythology: The Strong God of Thunder & Farmers

Believe it or not, the Thor from Norse mythology is not quite the handsome, chiseled, blond, and time-traveling hunk you’ve seen in the MCU movies. In Norse mythology, the thunder god is primarily described as a red-haired, pot-bellied, temperamental, and fiercely strong warrior, who loves to knock down vast quantities of mead and even known to dress up as a lady (!) in order to trick the giants to give back his lost hammer. Read Article Now

Leif Erikson’s Sister: Freydis Eiriksdottir

Leif also had a sister, or possibly half-sister, named Freydis, who was either an unforgiving Viking warrior who single-handedly repelled a horde of natives in Vinland (North America), or a deceiving explorer who murdered her adversaries’ wives with an axe when her soldiers refused to — depending on which sources you want to trust.

Either way, Freydis had a lot of influence on her brother’s journeys, and was likely instrumental in their success.

So why do we think was she so influential in Leif’s life? Well, she is featured heavily in the Saga of the Greenlanders and the Saga of Erik the Red , and the sagas rarely feature characters of little importance.

Leif Erikson’s Legacy

According to the tales, Leif and his crew landed on the eastern coast of North America, where they (or other Norsemen) at some point founded a settlement called Vinland (believed to be located at L’Anse aux Meadows , Newfoundland).

Archeological evidence supports the existence of a Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows , as researchers have found plenty of Viking artifacts and remaints around the area.

The evidence includes turf walls, a forge, and a boat landing — which in a 2022 study published in Nature has been dated to exactly 1021 CE (which suggests that the settlement was likely not established by Leif Erikson himself, who died at around the exact same time).

The Vinland settlement ultimately fell apart some time after Leif’s death, and there is no record of it ever being re-established (though Norse sea-farers were thought to have explored the east coast of North America for up to a hundred years after).

Many of the artifacts found at the site at L’Anse aux Meadows are on display at The National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen today, including a sword and other tools made from American-sourced copper.

This checks out according to the Vinland sagas , which admittedly are not always considered reliable sources.

The Vinland Sagas are a collection of Norse sagas relating to the exploration of North America by Norsemen, including Leif Erikson, prior to the voyages of Christopher Columbus and other later European explorers.

The most famous of the sagas is the Grœnlendinga Saga , which tells of the exploits of Erik the Red and his son Leif Eriksson in their exploration of Greenland and Vinland, respectively. The sagas also describe the encounters between the Norse and Native Americans.

The natives (called skrælingar by the Norse) were not surprisingly described as hostile to the Norse settlers, and likely also killed Leif’s brother Thorvald. They were described as living in houses made from wood and thatched roofs, and wore clothes of animal skins.

There are numerous statues that have been raised in honor of Leif Erikson, among them the statue at L’anse aux Meadows (shown above) that was built in 2013, and is located on a hill overlooking the Vinland site in Newfoundland, Canada.

The memorial includes an exhibit about the settlement at Vinland. While the Vinland sagas are a major part of Norse mythology, the truth behind them is unknown.

Leif Erikson is also the main character in Netflix’ Vikings: Valhalla series, where he is portrayed by Sam Corlett:

Vikings: Valhalla | Official Trailer | Netflix

Though certainly entertaining and worth watching, I wouldn’t say it’s very historically accurate. So take it all with a grain of salt and enjoy the action-packed ride if you’re into shows like that!

Leif Erikson Day is celebrated on October 9 (since 1964) in the United States, to celebrate Americans of Nordic origin and the Nordic influences in American culture and development in general, and in honor of Leif Erikson’s discovery and settlement of North America.

It is celebrated on October 9 as that’s the day in 1825 the ship Restoration from Stavanger docked in New York with 52 Norwegian immigrants, which is thought of as the first organised Nordic emigration to America.

Before the day was formally adopted as a national holiday, Leif Erikson Day had already been celebrated in the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota in the 1930s (both having a large proportion of residents of Nordic origin).

Leif Erikson is the first European and Viking that was documented to have found and landed in North America, but the first Norseman to discover the continent was likely Bjarni Herjólfsson who allegedly sailed there in 986 CE but never landed.

There is also speculation that both Irish monks and Phoenician explorers could have reached North America before the Vikings did by similar ways of Island-hopping their way there, but so far we have found no proof or indications that could support these theories.

https://litteraturbanken.se/presentationer/specialomraden/ErikDenRodesSaga.html

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03972-8

https://archive.org/details/storyofunitedsta00marsrich/page/6/mode/2up?view=theater

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By Karl Andersson

As a native Swede with a Finnish mother, Karl identifies as both Nordic and Scandinavian. He left Sweden at 19 to explore the world, and stayed abroad for almost 8 years—during which he backpacked, worked every job there was, earned a degree from UC Berkeley, and met the future mother of his children. He ultimately returned to his native Malmö with his love, where they now have 3 Swedish-American boys eager to explore the world.

I wish you would have mentioned Gudrid and Snorri. I think their story is fascinating! I enjoyed your articles!

Leif Erikson: The Norse Explorer Who Pioneered New Worlds

Leif Erikson, a name etched in the annals of history, stands out as a paramount Norse explorer, celebrated for his groundbreaking journey to North America, long before Columbus set sail. This article embarks on a detailed exploration of Erikson’s life, his daring voyages across the Atlantic, and the indelible impact he left on history and modern culture. We delve into the heart of his story, unearthing the factual truths beneath the layers of myth and legend, to paint a vivid portrait of this pioneering figure. Our journey through Erikson’s life is not just a voyage back in time, but also a reflection on how his legacy continues to shape our understanding of exploration and cultural interaction in the contemporary world.

I. Early Life and Background

Family and heritage.

Leif Erikson’s saga begins in the rugged landscapes of Iceland, born into a lineage of adventurers and outlaws. His father, Erik the Red, notorious for his fiery temper and exiled from both Norway and Iceland, founded the first Norse settlements in Greenland. This family of pioneers set the stage for Leif’s future endeavors, ingraining in him a spirit of exploration and resilience.

Norse Culture and Society

In the era of Leif Erikson, Norse society was characterized by its robust maritime culture, deeply intertwined with exploration, trade, and warfare. The Vikings, as they were known, were not just raiders but also traders and settlers, sailing across the known world. Their society was structured around strong clan loyalties and a pantheon of gods that underscored their connection to the natural world and the sea. It was in this vibrant and often harsh environment that Leif Erikson’s character and destiny were forged, setting him on a path that would lead to historic voyages and discoveries.

II. Leif Erikson’s Voyages

Journey to greenland.

Leif Erikson’s inaugural voyage, as chronicled in the sagas, was not one of discovery, but rather a mission to the already-established Greenland, a land his father had colonized. Around 1000 AD, steering his course through the treacherous North Atlantic, Leif demonstrated exceptional navigational skills, a testament to the advanced maritime knowledge of the Norse. These sagas, though occasionally veiled in legend, offer glimpses into the real challenges and triumphs of these early voyages, revealing a story of resilience and survival against formidable odds.

Discovery of Vinland

The pinnacle of Leif Erikson’s adventures, however, was his journey to Vinland, what is now known as North America. This expedition, detailed in the ‘Saga of the Greenlanders’ and the ‘Saga of Erik the Red,’ marks a significant historical event. Leif, guided by tales of a land west of Greenland, set sail and eventually landed in a place with a mild climate and fertile lands, vastly different from the icy shores of Greenland. This land, believed to be part of modern-day Canada, was rich in resources, a fact that did not escape Leif’s keen observation. The discovery of Vinland is a cornerstone in the history of exploration, symbolizing the first known European encounter with North America, centuries before Columbus.

III. Historical Evidence and Sources

Sagas and chronicles.

The primary lens through which we view Leif Erikson’s life and voyages is the rich tapestry of the Sagas of Icelanders. These medieval narratives, specifically the ‘Saga of the Greenlanders’ and the ‘Saga of Erik the Red’, serve as crucial historical sources. While they blend history with folklore, modern historians analyze these texts with a critical eye to sift fact from fiction. These sagas, written centuries after Erikson’s time, are not mere stories but are embedded with cultural and historical contexts that provide invaluable insights into the Viking Age. Scholars like Gisli Sigurdsson and Else Roesdahl have offered interpretations that help bridge the gap between the saga narratives and historical realities.

Archaeological Evidence

Complementing the sagas, recent archaeological discoveries have shed new light on Leif Erikson’s expeditions. The most significant of these is the Norse settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, which aligns with the descriptions of Vinland. Excavations at this UNESCO World Heritage site have unearthed evidence of Norse presence, such as building remains and artifacts, that correlate with the timeline of Erikson’s voyage. These findings not only corroborate the sagas but also provide a tangible connection to the Norse explorers’ journeys, offering a blend of historical and archaeological perspectives on the Viking expeditions to the New World.

Archaeological Insights into Erikson's Expeditions

IV. Leif Erikson’s Legacy and Cultural Impact

Historical impact.

Leif Erikson’s voyages stand as a monumental chapter in the annals of exploration, marking the earliest known European contact with North America. His journeys predate Columbus’s arrival by nearly 500 years, challenging the traditional narrative of the discovery of the New World. Erikson’s exploration signified the far-reaching capabilities of Norse seafaring and set a precedent for future transatlantic voyages. His expeditions not only highlight the Norse as pioneers in exploration but also underscore the interconnectedness of the world long before globalization.

Modern Recognition

Today, Leif Erikson’s legacy is celebrated and honored in various forms. Most notably, Leif Erikson Day on October 9th commemorates his achievements and acknowledges his role in connecting Europe with the Americas. This day, recognized in countries like the United States and Iceland, reflects a growing awareness and appreciation of Erikson’s historical significance. Furthermore, statues, plaques, and educational programs dedicated to him serve as testaments to his enduring impact. Through these commemorations, Leif Erikson remains a symbol of exploration and cultural exchange, bridging past and present, and inspiring future generations.

The Modern Commemoration of Leif Erikson

V. Conclusion

In summary, Leif Erikson emerges not just as a figure of legend, but as a pivotal character in the narrative of global exploration. His voyages to Greenland and Vinland, grounded in both saga and archaeological evidence, reframe our understanding of early transatlantic exploration. Leif’s story transcends the boundaries of time, marking the first European footsteps in North America and challenging long-held perceptions of historical discovery. His legacy, celebrated annually and embedded in cultural consciousness, continues to inspire a sense of adventure and discovery. Leif Erikson’s tale is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding quest for exploration and understanding, a legacy that endures in our quest to uncover the many layers of our world’s rich and diverse history.

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The Viking Explorer Who Beat Columbus to America

By: Christopher Klein

Updated: May 25, 2023 | Original: October 8, 2013

The Viking Explorer Who Beat Columbus to America, Leif Eriksson discovers America painted by Christian Krohg

Nearly 500 years before the birth of Christopher Columbus , a band of European sailors left their homeland behind in search of a new world. Their high-prowed Viking ship sliced through the cobalt waters of the Atlantic Ocean as winds billowed the boat’s enormous single sail. After traversing unfamiliar waters, the Norsemen aboard the wooden ship spied a new land, dropped anchor and went ashore.

Half a millennium before Columbus reached America, those Viking feet may have been the first European ones to ever have touched North American soil.

Exploration was a family business for the expedition’s leader, Leif Eriksson (variations of his last name include Erickson, Ericson, Erikson, Ericsson and Eiriksson). His father, Erik the Red, founded the first European settlement of Greenland after being expelled from Iceland around A.D. 985 for killing a neighbor. (Erik the Red’s father, himself, had been banished from Norway for committing manslaughter.)

Eriksson, who is believed to have been born in Iceland around A.D. 970, spent his formative years in desolate Greenland. Around A.D. 1000, Eriksson sailed east to his ancestral homeland of Norway. There, King Olaf I Tryggvason converted him to Christianity and charged him with proselytizing the religion to the pagan settlers of Greenland. Eriksson converted his mother, who built Greenland’s first Christian church, but not his outlaw father.

Icelandic legends called sagas recounted Eriksson’s exploits in the New World around A.D. 1000. These Norse stories were spread by word of mouth before becoming recorded in the 12th and 13th centuries. Two sagas give differing accounts as to how Eriksson arrived in North America.

According to the “Saga of Erik the Red,” Eriksson crossed the Atlantic by accident after sailing off course on his return voyage from Norway after his conversion to Christianity. The “Saga of the Greenlanders,” however, recounts that Eriksson’s voyage to North America was no fluke. Instead, the Viking explorer had heard of a strange land to the west from Icelandic trader Bjarni Herjolfsson, who more than a decade earlier had overshot Greenland and sailed by the shores of North America without setting foot upon it. Eriksson bought the trader’s ship, raised a crew of 35 men and retraced the route in reverse.

After crossing the Atlantic, the Vikings encountered a rocky, barren land in present-day Canada. Eriksson bestowed upon the land a name as boring as the surroundings—Helluland, Old Norse for “Stone Slab Land.” Researchers believe this location could possibly have been Baffin Island. The Norsemen then voyaged south to a timber-rich location they called Markland (Forestland), most likely in present-day Labrador, before finally setting up a base camp likely on the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland.

The Vikings spent an entire winter there and benefitted from the milder weather compared to their homeland. They explored the surrounding region abounding with lush meadows, rivers teeming with salmon, and wild grapes so suitable for wine that Eriksson called the region Vinland (Wineland).

After spending the winter in Vinland, Eriksson and his crew sailed home to windswept Greenland with badly needed timber and plentiful portions of grapes. Eriksson, who would succeed Erik the Red as chief of the Greenland settlement after his father’s death, never returned to North America, but other Vikings continued to sail west to Vinland for at least the ensuing decade. In spite of North America’s more bountiful resources, the Viking settlers remained in desolate Greenland. This was perhaps due to the violent encounters—including the slaying of Eriksson’s brother Thorwald–they had with the indigenous population of North America.

Archaeologists have unearthed evidence that supports the sagas’ stories of the Norse expeditions to America. In 1960, Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad scoured the coasts of Labrador and Newfoundland for signs of a possible settlement, and he found it on the northernmost tip of Newfoundland at L’Anse aux Meadows. An international team of archaeologists that included Ingstad’s wife, Anne, excavated artifacts of Viking origin dating from around A.D. 1000, and the remains of the Norse village are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site .

While Columbus is honored with a federal holiday , the man considered to be the leader of the first European expedition to North America has not been totally forgotten on the calendar. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation that declared October 9 to be Leif Eriksson Day in honor of the Viking explorer, his crew and the country’s Nordic-American heritage.

The proximity of the days honoring Eriksson and Columbus is a coincidence. October 9 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the 1825 arrival in New York of the ship Restauration, which carried the first organized band of Norwegian immigrants to the United States.

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World History Edu

World History

Life and Adventures of Leif Eriksson

by World History Edu · February 24, 2024

Leif Eriksson, a name etched in the annals of history as the legendary Norse explorer, stands as a figure of immense curiosity and admiration. Born around 970 AD in Iceland, he was the son of Erik the Red, the notorious founder of the first Norse settlements in Greenland.

Undoubtedly, Leif’s saga is not just a tale of exploration and discovery but a vivid narrative of resilience, leadership, and the unquenchable thirst for venturing into the unknown.

Leif Eriksson was a Norse explorer, known for being among the first Europeans to set foot in North America, predating Columbus by centuries.

Below, World History Edu delves into the life and journeys of Leif Erikson.

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Early Life in a Seafaring Culture

Leif’s upbringing was steeped in the rich seafaring culture of the Norse people. From a young age, he would have been familiar with the sagas and stories of distant lands beyond the sea, tales of adventure that were part of the Norse oral tradition. His father, Erik the Red, was a formidable figure, having established the first Norse settlement in Greenland after being exiled from Iceland. This background provided Leif with the perfect blend of ambition and expertise necessary for maritime exploration.

The Journey to Greenland

Leif’s early life was marked by significant events, one of which was his journey to Greenland with his father. This expedition was not merely a relocation but a venture into relatively unknown and inhospitable territories. The successful establishment of settlements in Greenland under Erik the Red’s leadership would have been a profound lesson for young Leif, teaching him the essentials of survival, colonization, and leadership in uncharted lands.

Vinland Saga: The Discovery of a New World

The most celebrated chapter in Leif Eriksson’s life is undoubtedly his discovery of Vinland, what is believed today to be part of North America. The sagas recount that Leif set sail from Greenland around the year 1000 AD, possibly driven by stories of lands to the west mentioned by earlier Norse sailors. The exact reasons for Leif’s voyage remain a subject of speculation, ranging from a deliberate exploration mission to a voyage blown off course by the North Atlantic currents.

Leif and his crew first landed in a place they named Helluland, believed to be modern-day Baffin Island, characterized by its flat stones and rocky terrain. Moving further south, they reached a land with white sandy shores and lush forests, which they named Markland, likely today’s Labrador. The culmination of their journey was Vinland, a region described as being rich in grapes and self-sown wheat, possibly located in what is now Newfoundland, Canada.

Life in Vinland

The sagas provide tantalizing glimpses into Leif and his crew’s life in Vinland. They built a settlement, which archaeological evidence at L’Anse aux Meadows confirms, and spent a winter there. This settlement served as a base for exploration in the surrounding areas and for gathering resources such as timber and grapes, essential commodities in Greenland.

Leif’s Return

Leif returned to Greenland after his expeditions, where he assumed a leadership role following his father’s death. He is credited with introducing Christianity to Greenland, having been converted during a stay in Norway. His voyages to Vinland were not followed up significantly in his lifetime, possibly due to hostile encounters with the indigenous peoples, referred to as Skrælings in the sagas, or the logistical challenges of sustaining long-distance colonies.

Leif Eriksson’s legacy is monumental, transcending the annals of Norse history to become a part of the broader narrative of human exploration. He is celebrated as the first European to set foot on North American shores, nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus. His voyages highlight the remarkable seafaring capabilities of the Norse people and their openness to exploring the world beyond the familiar confines of Europe.

Historical and Cultural Impact

Leif Eriksson’s adventures have had a lasting impact on history and culture, influencing not just the perception of Viking explorations but also shaping modern identities. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Leif became a symbol of Scandinavian heritage, particularly among communities of Scandinavian descent in North America. Leif Eriksson Day, celebrated on October 9th in the United States, exemplifies his cultural significance, commemorating the contributions of Scandinavians to American history and the spirit of exploration.

In the grand tapestry of history, Leif Eriksson stands out not just as an explorer but as a symbol of the human urge to discover, to venture beyond the horizon in search of the unknown.

Frequently asked questions about Leif Eriksson

Leif Eriksson is famous for his voyage to Vinland, which many believe is part of modern-day Canada, effectively making him one of the first European explorers to reach North America.

The following are some of the most asked questions about this Norse explorer:

When did Leif Eriksson discover America?

Leif Eriksson’s journey to Vinland is believed to have taken place around the year 1000 AD.

Where was Leif Eriksson from?

Leif was born in Iceland, the son of Erik the Red, who founded the first Norse settlements in Greenland.

What lands did Leif Eriksson discover?

He discovered several areas in North America, including places he named Helluland, Markland, and Vinland.

How did Leif Eriksson navigate?

Norse explorers like Leif relied on the sun, stars, and ocean currents for navigation, along with possibly using sunstones to locate the sun on cloudy days.

What happened to Leif Eriksson’s settlements in Vinland?

The settlements in Vinland were not permanent and were eventually abandoned, possibly due to conflicts with indigenous peoples or the logistical challenges of sustaining them.

Vikings, including Leif Eriksson, explored three regions: Helluland, possibly Baffin Island, known for its flat stones; Markland, a forested area; and Vinland, celebrated for its grapes, suggesting a fertile land. Image: A painting, by Hans Dahl, of Erikson’s discovery of America.

Who was Leif Eriksson’s brother Thorvald?

Per the accounts, Leif Eriksson briefly settled in North America, spending one winter before returning to Greenland with valuable timber, crucial for Viking ships, homes, and furniture. And following his path, his brother Thorvald embarked on a similar journey, staying in the newfound land for an extended period, several years, continuing the exploration and interaction with the continent.

Upon reaching the new lands, Thorvald encountered a number of indigenous peoples, whom they referred to as “skrælings” (an Old Norse term roughly meaning ‘barbarians’). Initial interactions led to a violent clash, resulting in the death of almost all the indigenous individuals in one encounter.

This hostility escalated when the native population retaliated with a significant attack using boats. During this confrontation, Thorvald was fatally injured by an arrow that struck him in the armpit, leading to his death from the wounds sustained. This incident underscores the challenging and often hostile interactions between the Vikings and the indigenous populations of North America.

Myths About the Viking Age

Is there any archaeological evidence of Leif Eriksson’s voyages?

Yes, the site at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, has been widely accepted as evidence of Norse presence in North America, likely linked to Leif’s voyages.

How is Leif Eriksson remembered today?

Leif Eriksson is celebrated for his contributions to exploration, particularly in Scandinavian communities and through Leif Eriksson Day in the United States on October 9th.

Did Leif Eriksson interact with indigenous peoples of North America?

The sagas mention encounters with indigenous peoples, referred to as “Skrælings,” though details about these interactions are sparse and largely legendary.

Tags: Leif Eriksson Norse Explorers Norse Sagas Transatlantic Voyages Viking Age Vinland Discovery

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Years Before Columbus: Leif Erikson, His Life and His Voyage of Adventure to the New World

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Many people still believe that the person who “discovered” America was Christopher Columbus, forgetting the fact that there were already indigenous people living there. An additional fact that is often overlooked is that the new world was visited, and temporarily colonized, about 492 years before Columbus by another European - a man known as Leif Erikson.

A Family History of Banishment and Adventure-Seeking

Leif Erikson was born circa 970 AD in Iceland. He was a son of Erik the Red and his wife Thjodhild. Leif had a sister Freydis and two brothers: Thorsteinn and Thorvald. Together, they were the children of the man who colonized Greenland.

According to the Sagas of Icelanders , Leif was the first European who landed in the territory of modern-day Canada. But before that, Leif grew up in Greenland, where the family of Erik the Red moved after they colonized the land. Leif’s wife was Thorgunna who gave him at least two sons: Thorgils and Thorkell. Leif Erikson is remembered as a considerate, strong, and wise man.

The history of exploration in Leif's family started from the day when Thorvald Asvaldsson (his grandfather) was banished from Norway for manslaughter. Asvaldsson began the family’s first adventure in the company of his son Erik (the Red). The family lived in Iceland until Erik was banished from his new home and started traveling west, landing at the place now called Greenland. He arrived there in 986 AD.

Leif Erikson memorial statue at Shilshole Bay Marina (Port of Seattle) ( CC BY-SA 3.0 )

That was not the end to the family’s travels however, and Leif left Greenland seeking an adventurous life. It should be noted that unlike his father and grandfather, he wasn't banished from his homeland. Leif died around 1020 AD in Greenland, but during his lifetime, he was a legend.

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Adventures to a New Land

Leif left Greenland for the first time at age 24, when he went to deliver gifts from his father to King Olaf of Norway. This trip may have sparked his interest in exploring another land, one far away from Norway and Greenland.

When Leif returned home, he reflected on his grandfather’s and father’s explorations, and decided he too wanted to experience adventure. Thus, he bought a boat and started preparations for the greatest journey of his life. Sources say that he sailed west for 600 miles (965.6 km) and saw a land with rocks and high glaciers which he called Helluland , meaning “The Slab Land”.

Nowadays, researchers believe that this place was Baffin Island. Leif and his crew did not stop their voyage there however, and decided to sail on south, where they saw a land with a beach and trees that they called Markland (The Woodland). This was perhaps the eastern coast of Canada.

Baffin Island, thought to be “Helluland” to Leif Erikson. ( CC BY-SA 3.0 )

When they found the right place, they decided to build houses to live in for the winter. After preparation for the coldest period of a year, Leif sent out an exploration group to learn more about the land they had arrived upon. When they came back, they were very excited about finding grapes in the area. This discovery led Leif to call the land Vinland , meaning “Wineland”. The grapes were one of the greatest treasures he brought back to Greenland.

Northeast coast of Baffin Island, north of Community of Clyde River, Nunavut, Canada. ( CC BY-SA 2.5 )

Differing Beliefs of Father and Son

Leif and his wife had left the faith of the ancestors and became Christians. He had been baptized by King Olaf Tryggvason and became sort of an ''evangelist of Vikings'' on Greenland. Leif also served on the court of Tryggvason in Norway. After returning to his homeland, he tried to convert all of Greenland into Christianity. Leif and Thorgunna even built the first church in Greenland. At the same time, Erik stayed a follower of Norse paganism and truly disliked Christianity.

While Leif was away in modern North America, perhaps a part of Newfoundland, Erik was worshiping his old gods. Before he left, Leif hoped that his father would follow him and join in on his trip. Nevertheless, Erik wasn't interested in leaving Greenland anymore.

According to legend, Erik did give this opportunity one chance, and rode a horse to go to his son’s ship. However, getting closer to the harbor he fell off his horse, which he took as a bad sign. Thus, Erik decided his son would take the voyage without his company. The prophecy of the bad sign may have been true, because they never saw each other again. Erik died during the winter, before Leif came back home.

Graphical description of the different sailing routes to Greenland, Vinland (Newfoundland), Helluland (Baffin Island) and Markland (Labrador) travelled by different characters in the Icelandic Sagas, mainly the Saga of Erik the Red and the Saga of the Greenlanders. Modern English versions of the Norse names. ( CC BY-SA 3.0 )

Excavations Confirming Legends

A Viking village from the 11th century was discovered in 1960, in L'Anse aux Meadow, on the northernmost top of the island of Newfoundland. Archaeologists unearthed eight houses and food remains. They also found the remains of hunted animals, such as caribou, wolf, fox, bear, lynx, marten, walrus, seal, whale, and all types of birds and fish. For many, the results of these excavations confirmed the expedition of Leif to North America. L'Anse aux Meadow was declared Leif's Vinland .

Modern recreation of the Viking site at L'Anse aux Meadows. ( CC BY 2.0 )

Greenland became a part of Denmark in 1814. In 1932, a group of archaeologists from Denmark excavated the farm of Erik the Red called Brattahlid , meaning “Steep Slope”. Their work brought to light the remains of a church, which was surrounded by a wall to keep farm animals out. Very close to the church, they also found a hall where people could cook their meals in a fire and spend their free time playing board games.

In 1961, another discovery was made at this site. A small horseshoe-shaped chapel dedicated to the memory of Erik's wife Thjodhild was found. This chapel provides a glimpse into the faith of the woman who followed her son and converted to Christianity. The church had a room that would hold 20 to 30 worshipers.

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While excavating the chapel in 1960, archaeologists discovered 144 skeletons as well. Most of them were once tall and strong people, very similar to modern Scandinavians. Amongst the skeletons, there was one group of males that were buried in a mass tomb. Evidence suggests that they probably died in a battle. One of them was even found with a large knife between his ribs.

The most intriguing of the remains found, were three skeletons that were interred close to the church wall. Medieval accounts reported that people buried closest to the church were the first in line for Judgment Day. Researchers believe that these three skeletons must be Erik the Red, his wife Thjodhild, and their famous son, Leif Erikson. Nowadays, their bones rest on laboratory shelves in Copenhagen.

Featured image: ‘Leif Eriksson Discovers America’ by Christian Krohg (1893). Source: Public Domain

By Natalia Klimczak

Jane Smiley, The Sagas of the Icelanders, 2000. Malcolm C Jensen, Leif Erikson the Lucky,1979. Angus Somerville, Andrew R. McDonald, The Viking Age: A Reader, 2010. William R. Short, Icelanders in the Viking age: the people of the sagas, 2010. http://archive.archaeology.org/online/features/greenland/

The reason for Leiv Erikson to name Amerika vinland was not that he discovered winegrapes. "Vin" in ancient norwegian means "open spaces" Like the city of Bergen. In the viking Age the name was "bjørgvin" its many other examples to.

There are evidences of many other visitors here in North America prior to C Columbus. There are Runic markings in the South and Southwest along with Ogham markings along the East Coast that are way older. In New Mexico there are original or paleo-Hebrew texts of the Ten Commandments. In the Grand Canyon there are Egyptian hieroglyphics. These kind of things are glossed over as anything but real by academic types, but that is to be expected so as not to upset their paradigm of whatever they were told in school. Sooner or later, conventional wisdom (the Earth is flat) is replaced by facts (the Earth is spherical). Barry Fell has a book, "America B.C." that is good on his explanation of Ogham markings and Gloria Farley's book "In Plain Sight" covers Ogham as well as Runes in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and N Mexico.

Natalia Klimczak is an historian, journalist and writer and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at the Faculty of Languages, University of Gdansk. Natalia does research in Narratology, Historiography, History of Galicia (Spain) and Ancient History of Egypt, Rome and Celts. She... Read More

Who Funded Leif Erikson’s Voyage?

Published: December 15, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Margarete Blaney

Introduction

The discovery of Vinland by the Norse explorer Leif Erikson is a captivating chapter in maritime history, shrouded in mystery and speculation. The voyage, which took place around 1000 AD, marked one of the earliest known European expeditions to North America. Many wonder who funded this groundbreaking journey that opened up new possibilities for exploration and trade. Leif Erikson, the son of the famous Norse explorer Erik the Red, embarked on his voyage to Vinland, a land believed to be part of present-day Canada or the northeastern United States. While the exact sources of funding for his expedition remain uncertain, several historical accounts offer insights into the potential backers and their motives. Understanding the financial backing of Leif Erikson’s voyage is essential to comprehend the historical context of Norse exploration and their connection to the New World. This article delves into the historical accounts, speculations, and controversies surrounding the funding of Leif Erikson’s voyage, providing a comprehensive view of this enigmatic period in history.

The Discovery of Vinland

The discovery of Vinland by Leif Erikson stands as a testament to the Norse seafaring prowess and their early exploration of North America. According to the sagas and historical accounts, Leif Erikson set sail from Greenland and eventually arrived at a land he called Vinland. This new land was described as fertile with abundant resources, including timber and wildlife. The exact location of Vinland is still a subject of debate among historians, but it is generally believed to be in areas along the northeastern coast of North America. Some suggest it could be in present-day Newfoundland, while others propose locations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence or even as far south as Massachusetts. Leif Erikson’s discovery of Vinland marked a significant milestone in transatlantic exploration. It predated Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the Americas by almost 500 years and demonstrated that Europeans had reached North America long before Columbus’ famous expedition. The Norse exploration of Vinland was not limited to Leif Erikson. His brothers, Thorvald and Thorstein, as well as his sister Freydis, also had their own expeditions to the region. Despite these subsequent explorations, Vinland did not become a permanent Norse settlement, and its exact fate remains uncertain. The Norse presence in Vinland eventually faded away, and the knowledge of their voyages was almost lost to history. It was not until the discovery and interpretation of the Norse sagas in the 19th century that their remarkable accomplishments came to light. The discovery of Vinland sent ripples throughout the Norse world, sparking interest in further exploration and potential trade routes. The question then arises: who was behind the funding of Leif Erikson’s groundbreaking voyage?

Historical Accounts of Leif Erikson’s Voyage

The historical accounts of Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland come primarily from two Icelandic sagas: the Saga of the Greenlanders and the Saga of Erik the Red. These sagas were written several centuries after the events they describe, making it challenging to separate fact from fiction. Nevertheless, they offer valuable insights into the Norse exploration of North America. According to the sagas, Leif Erikson set sail from Greenland, where his father, Erik the Red, had established a settlement. Leif, known for his leadership and seafaring expertise, sought to explore new lands west of Greenland. Upon reaching Vinland, he and his crew encountered a region teeming with natural resources and even encountered Native American inhabitants, whom they called “skraelings.” Leif and his crew spent some time in Vinland, exploring the land and establishing a temporary settlement. The sagas describe their interactions with the Native Americans and their attempts to trade, which ranged from friendly exchanges to hostile encounters. One notable episode from the sagas is the story of Leif’s discovery of a mysterious type of grapevines, leading to the name Vinland, meaning “land of wine.” This discovery hinted at the agricultural potential of the land and the possibility of future colonization and trade. While the sagas provide valuable insights into Leif Erikson’s voyage, it is important to approach them with a critical eye. The authors of the sagas likely embellished elements of the story to create a captivating narrative. Furthermore, the sagas were passed down through oral tradition for centuries before being written down, opening the door for potential inaccuracies and myth-making. These historical accounts ignite curiosity about who provided the financial support for such perilous expeditions across the Atlantic. The search for funding reveals potential sources that shed light on the motivations behind Norse exploration and expansion into new territories.

The Search for Funding

The search for funding was a crucial aspect of Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland. Norse expeditions required substantial financial investment to outfit and provision the ships, as well as to secure skilled navigators and crew members. So, who were the potential backers who funded these perilous journeys into the unknown? One possible source of funding was the Norse chieftains themselves. Wealthy individuals who held positions of power and influence may have been motivated to support the exploration efforts for various reasons. These chieftains could see the potential for gaining new territories, resources, and trading opportunities, thereby enhancing their status and wealth. Another potential source of funding could have been Norse merchants. The Norse were renowned for their trading activities, reaching far-flung regions such as the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. These merchants may have recognized the potential for new trade routes and markets in the unexplored lands of the west. By investing in exploratory voyages, they could secure future trading opportunities and expand their networks. It is also possible that Norse religious leaders played a role in funding expeditions. Religion and myth held significant influence over Norse society, and exploration may have been seen as an opportunity to spread their beliefs and assert their dominance in new lands. By supporting exploratory endeavors, religious leaders could solidify their power and influence over the Norse people and potentially convert indigenous populations to their faith. The search for funding may have also involved collaboration between different factions within Norse society. Chieftains, merchants, and religious leaders could have joined forces, pooling their resources and expertise to finance and support these groundbreaking voyages. However, due to the lack of concrete documentary evidence from that time, the exact sources and mechanisms of funding for Leif Erikson’s voyage remain speculative. Nonetheless, it is clear that the allure of wealth, power, and prestige played a role in attracting financial support for Norse expeditions. The role of Erik the Red, Leif Erikson’s father and a renowned explorer himself, cannot be overlooked in the search for funding. Erik’s reputation as an exceptional seafarer and his previous expeditions to Greenland may have provided valuable connections and resources for Leif’s voyage. It is possible that Erik used his own wealth and influence to support his son’s ambitious undertaking. The elusive nature of the funding details adds to the mystery and intrigue surrounding Leif Erikson’s journey. The historical puzzle of who funded the voyage to Vinland invites speculation and fuels ongoing debate among historians and enthusiasts alike.

Potential Sources of Funding

While the exact sources of funding for Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland remain uncertain, there are several potential sources that could have supported the expedition. One possibility is that Leif Erikson himself had personal financial resources. As the son of Erik the Red, a well-known and successful Norse explorer, Leif may have inherited wealth from his father. This would have provided him with the means to finance his own expedition, as well as the necessary resources to gather a crew and outfit the ships. Another potential source of funding could have been the Norse chieftains and landowners. These influential figures had access to substantial resources and may have seen the potential benefits of exploring new lands. By investing in Leif Erikson’s voyage, they could have hoped to establish new trade routes, acquire valuable resources, and expand their own wealth and power. Norse merchants also could have played a significant role in financing the expedition. With a long history of maritime trade, these merchants had the financial means and motivation to invest in exploratory ventures. Funding Leif Erikson’s voyage would have allowed them to explore untapped markets, establish new trade relationships, and gain a competitive advantage in the lucrative trade networks of the time. Religious institutions, such as Norse temples or religious leaders, may have been a source of funding as well. Religion played a central role in Norse society, and exploring new lands may have been seen as an opportunity to spread their beliefs and assert cultural dominance. By providing financial support, religious institutions could have hoped to establish a presence in Vinland and convert the indigenous populations to Norse practices. Additionally, alliances and collaborations among different factions in Norse society could have contributed to the funding of the expedition. Chieftains, merchants, and religious leaders may have pooled their resources and expertise to support Leif Erikson’s voyage, recognizing the potential benefits of this bold endeavor. It is important to note that the sources of funding for Norse expeditions likely varied from voyage to voyage. Each expedition would have had its own unique set of backers with different motivations and interests. The complexity of Norse society and its interconnected web of political, economic, and religious dynamics makes unraveling the exact sources of funding challenging. Unfortunately, the limited historical records and the passage of time have cast a shroud of uncertainty over the specific details of the funding for Leif Erikson’s voyage. Nevertheless, the potential sources mentioned provide a glimpse into the possible backers who may have supported this historic journey to Vinland.

The Role of Erik the Red

Erik the Red, the father of Leif Erikson, played a significant role in the Norse exploration of Vinland and potentially the funding of his son’s voyage. Erik, a renowned Norse explorer and colonizer, was instrumental in establishing the Norse settlement in Greenland. His influence and resources may have contributed to Leif’s ability to undertake his ambitious voyage. Erik the Red’s exploration and colonization of Greenland occurred prior to Leif Erikson’s journey to Vinland. Erik, who was originally from Norway, was banished from his homeland due to his involvement in a dispute. He subsequently discovered Greenland and established settlements there, setting the stage for Norse expansion across the North Atlantic. Erik’s establishment of the Greenland settlements provided a foundation for future Norse expeditions and potentially served as a source of funding for his son’s voyage. Through his leadership and influence, Erik would have had access to resources, including ships, supplies, and manpower, which could have been allocated towards financing exploratory ventures like Leif Erikson’s. Furthermore, Erik’s reputation as an accomplished explorer and his own prior journeys across the North Atlantic may have facilitated connections and alliances that were essential for funding Leif’s voyage. His knowledge of sailing routes, navigational expertise, and familiarity with the challenges of transatlantic travel would have been valuable assets in planning and executing the expedition. It is also plausible that Erik used his own wealth and prestige to support his son’s voyage. As a successful colonizer in Greenland, Erik likely accumulated resources and established trading networks that could have funded Leif’s quest for new lands. By leveraging his status and connections, Erik may have been able to secure financial backing from fellow Norse chieftains, merchants, or religious leaders who recognized the potential benefits of exploration. While the specifics of Erik the Red’s role in funding Leif Erikson’s voyage remain elusive, his reputation, influence, and prior accomplishments undoubtedly played a crucial part in making the expedition possible. Without Erik’s contributions, both as a colonizer and a potential source of funding, Leif’s journey to Vinland may never have taken place. The legacy of Erik the Red extends beyond his personal involvement in Leif’s expedition. His establishment of Norse settlements in Greenland paved the way for further exploration of the North Atlantic and set the stage for the Norse discovery of Vinland. Erik’s impact on Norse exploration and his potential contributions to funding Leif’s journey make him a central figure in the story of Norse exploration in North America.

Speculations and Controversies

The funding of Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland remains a topic of speculation and controversy among historians and scholars. Due to the scarcity of primary sources and the passage of time, piecing together the exact details has proven challenging. As a result, various theories and hypotheses have emerged, sparking debates and adding to the intrigue surrounding the expedition. One point of contention is whether Leif Erikson’s voyage was self-funded or backed by external sources. While some believe that Leif had the financial means to finance his own expedition, others argue that he likely received support from Norse chieftains, merchants, or even religious leaders. The question of who provided the funding and to what extent remains unresolved. Additionally, the motives behind supporting Leif Erikson’s journey are a subject of speculation. Some suggest that the potential for new trade routes and access to valuable resources such as timber and furs may have motivated backers to fund the expedition. Others propose that the pursuit of new territories and the spread of Norse influence and religion may have been driving factors. The geographical location of Vinland itself has also sparked disagreements. The sagas describe Vinland as a fertile land abundant in natural resources, but the exact location remains elusive. Theories range from locations in present-day Newfoundland to areas along the northeastern coast of the United States. The lack of concrete evidence and the possibility of multiple landing sites have fueled ongoing debates among scholars. Furthermore, the authenticity and accuracy of the sagas themselves have been questioned. As oral traditions passed down through generations before being written down, the sagas may have been influenced by exaggeration, myth-making, and the cultural lens of the writers. Some argue that elements of the sagas may have been embellished or distorted, raising doubts about the reliability of the historical accounts. The lack of concrete documentation from the time also contributes to the speculative nature of these controversies. The absence of detailed financial records or official correspondence leaves room for interpretation and conjecture. Historians must rely on fragmentary evidence, archaeological discoveries, and cross-referencing with other historical sources to piece together the puzzle. Despite these speculations and controversies, the enduring legacy of Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland remains undeniable. The Norse exploration of North America, whether self-funded or with external support, represents a significant achievement in human history. It highlights the audacity and seafaring skills of the Norse explorers who dared to venture into uncharted lands long before the age of Columbus. As archaeological discoveries continue to provide new insights and advancements in historical research, the mysteries surrounding Leif Erikson’s voyage and its funding may yet be unraveled. Until then, these speculations and controversies will continue to shape our understanding of Norse exploration and the fascinating chapter of Vinland’s discovery.

The funding of Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland remains a captivating enigma that fuels historical speculation and debates. While the exact sources of funding are elusive, several potential backers and motivations have been proposed, including Norse chieftains, merchants, religious leaders, and Leif’s own personal resources. The search for funding opens a window into the complex dynamics of Norse society during that time. It reveals the interplay between wealth, power, exploration, trade aspirations, and the spread of Norse influence. It also highlights the importance of connections, alliances, and the role of influential figures like Erik the Red in supporting ambitious expeditions. The historical accounts of Leif Erikson’s voyage, though subject to scrutiny, provide invaluable insights into the Norse exploration of North America. The sagas paint a vivid picture of the journey to Vinland, the interactions with indigenous populations, and the potential for trade and settlement. However, open questions and controversies persist. The specifics of funding sources remain speculative, and the authenticity of the sagas and the exact location of Vinland continue to be debated. It is through ongoing research, archaeological discoveries, and interdisciplinary collaboration that we may uncover new evidence and shed light on these unresolved aspects. Despite these uncertainties, Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland holds immense significance. It predates Columbus’ expedition by centuries and stands as a testament to the Norse seafaring prowess and their early exploration of the New World. It challenges conventional narratives and enriches our understanding of global exploration and human history. The funding of Leif Erikson’s expedition represents a vital piece of this historical puzzle. Whether driven by economic interests, territorial ambitions, religious motivations, or a combination of factors, the financing of the voyage demonstrates the interconnected web of influence and incentives that propelled Norse exploration. In conclusion, the funding of Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland remains a captivating aspect of the broader Norse exploration narrative. While definitive answers may elude us, the quest for funding unveils tantalizing possibilities, offering glimpses into the motivations and ambitions that drove the Norse to venture across the Atlantic. As we continue to delve into the annals of history and unravel the mysteries surrounding this extraordinary voyage, we deepen our appreciation for the audacity, vision, and indelible legacy of the Norse explorers who charted new horizons in a vast and unexplored world.

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Leif Ericson Biography & The Vinland Voyages

Leif Ericson (also spelled Erikson) (970 – 1020 A.D.) was a Viking explorer credited for being the first European to set foot in North America.

The Voyages to Vinland

Below you will find an abridged version of the “The Voyages to Vinland,” from the Harvard Classics Volume, “American Historical Documents.”

Source: A.M. Reeves 1890 translation of the 13th century manuscript, “The Saga of Eric the Red.”

Abridged version by Tim van de Vall

“Leif was the son of Eric the Red, who dwelt at Brattahlid in Greenland, where he was held in the highest esteem. Leif was a large and powerful man, and of a most imposing bearing – a man of sagacity, and a very just man in all things.

In Iceland there lived a man named Biarni Heriulfsson who wished to visit his father, Heriulf, in Brattahlid. Biarni had been in the Greenland Sea, and he and his crew soon knew not whither they were drifting. As they traveled, they saw three mysterious lands.

After many days of travel, Biarni found Greenland, and in Brattahlid, he gave an account of his travels. Leif, the son of Eric the Red, wished to explore the lands that Biarni had seen. He visited Biarni, and bought a ship of him, and collected a crew, until they formed altogether a company of thirty-five men.

They sailed out to sea, and found first that land which Biarni and his shipmates found last. ‘To this country I will now give a name, and call it Helluland.’ (Baffin Island)

They returned to the ship, put out to sea, and found a second land. Then said Leif, ‘We will call it Markland.’ (Labrador)

They sailed away, and were out two days before they sighted land. They ran their ship aground there. They afterward determined to establish themselves there for the winter, and they accordingly built a large house. There was no lack of salmon there either in the river or in the lake, and larger salmon than they had ever seen before.

One of the company was a German, named Tyrker. Tyrker had lived with Leif and his father for a longtime, and had been very devoted to Leif when he was a child. Tyrker spoke, ‘I had something of novelty to relate. I have found vines and grapes.’ Leif said to his shipmates, ‘We will now divide our labors, and each day will either gather grapes or cut vines and fell trees, so as to obtain a cargo of these for my ship.”

A cargo sufficient for the ship was cut, and when the spring came, they made their ship ready and sailed away; and from its products Leif gave the land a name, and called it Wineland. (Newfoundland)”

Leif Ericson Map Route

Leif ericson timeline.

c 970-980 AD: Leif Ericson is born in Iceland. He is the son of Eric the Red and his wife Thjodhildr.

986 AD: Eric the Red is banished from Iceland. He travels west and establishes a permanent settlement in Greenland.

999 AD: Leif Ericson travels from Greenland to Norway. He is blown off course to the Hebrides (Archipelago off west coast of mainland Scotland), where he says most of the summer. In Hebrides he meets a noblewoman named Thorgunna, who later gives birth to their son Thorgils. He stays with King Olaf Tryggvason and converts to Christianity.

c 1000 AD: Bjarni Herjolfsson sights land to west of Greenland.

c 1000 AD: Leif Ericson purchases Bjarni’s ship, gathers a crew of thirty-five men, and leads an expedition to the unknown western lands.

c 1000 AD: Leif Ericson discovers Helluland “Flat-Rock Land” (Baffin Island), Markland “Forest Land” (Labrador), and Vinland, “Wine Land” (Newfoundland).

c 1000 AD: Leif and crew build a small settlement called Leifsbuoir (Leif’s Booths)

c 1000 AD: They winter in Vinland, and return to Greenland in spring with a cargo or grapes and timber.

c 1000-AD: On the way east, they rescue an Icelandic crew. Returns to family estate and starts to preach Christianity.

c 1019-1025: Leif Ericson dies in Greenland.

Leif Ericson Coloring Page

Leif Ericson Images

The following Leif Ericson images are in the public domain.

Leif Ericson & Viking eBooks

Here are some links to public domain ebooks about Leif Ericson, the Vinland Voyages, and the Vikings.

The Finding of Wineland the Good by A.M. Reeves (1895) – Source: Internet Archive

Viking Tales by Jennie Hall (1902) – Source: Project Gutenberg

Landfall of Leif Erikson by Eben Norton Horsford (1892) – Source: Internet Archive

1 Leif Erikson (ca. 1000)

The Norse have an old legend that Viking hero Leif Erikson founded a colony in a new land they called Vinland. The discovery of the Norse village in 1960 and its acceptance as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 established the Newfoundland colony as the oldest known European site in the Americas, and very probably as the Vinland settlement of Norse legends. The Canadian ruins date from the appropriate period, around 1000 CE. Artifacts found in the remains of eight buildings include farm implements and spinning and blacksmith tools. It was probably an extension of the permanent Viking settlements on Greenland that were the home of Leif’s father, Erik the Red.

Biarni Heriulfsson came out from Greenland on a visit to Earl Erik, by whom he was well received. Biarni gave an account of his travels [while lost at sea in a fog for several days, he apparently landed in America] when he saw the lands, and the people thought that he had been lacking in enterprise, since he had no report to give concerning these countries; and the fact brought him reproach. Biarni was appointed one of the Earl’s men, and went out to Greenland the following summer. There was now much talk about voyages of discovery. Leif, the son of Erik the Red, of Brattahlid, visited Biarni Heriulfsson and bought a ship of him, and collected a crew, until they formed altogether a company of thirty-five men. Leif invited his father, Erik, to become the leader of the expedition, but Erik declined, saying that he was then stricken in years, and adding that he was less able to endure the exposure of sea life than he had been. Leif replied that he would nevertheless be the one who would be most apt to bring good luck and Erik yielded to Leif’s solicitation, and rode from home when they were ready to sail.

When he was but a short distance from the ship, the horse which Erik was riding stumbled, and he was thrown from his back and wounded his foot, whereupon he exclaimed, “It is not designed for me to discover more lands than the one in which we are now living, nor can we now continue longer together.” Erik returned home to Brattahlid, and Leif pursued his way to the ship with his companions, thirty-five men. One of the company was a German, named Tyrker. They put the ship in order; and, when they were ready, they sailed out to sea, and found first that land which Biarni and his shipmates found last. They sailed up to the land, and cast anchor, and launched a boat, and went ashore, and saw no grass there. Great ice mountains lay inland back from the sea, and it was as a [tableland of] flat rock all the way from the sea to the ice mountains; and the country seemed to them to be entirely devoid of good qualities. Then said, Leif “It has not come to pass with us in regard to this land as with Biarni, that we have not gone upon it. To this country I will now give a name and call it Helleland [the land of flat rocks].”

They returned to the ship, put out to sea, and found a second land. They sailed again to the land, and came to anchor, and launched the boat, and went ashore. This was a level wooded land; and there were broad stretches of white sand where they went, and the land was level by the sea. Then said Leif, “This land shall have a name after its nature; and we will call it Markland [land of forests].” They returned to the ship forthwith, and sailed away upon the main with north-east winds, and were out a full day before they sighted land. They sailed toward this land and came to an island which lay to the northward off the land. There they went ashore and looked about them, the weather being fine, and they observed that there was dew upon the grass, and it so happened that they touched the dew with their hands, and touched their hands to their mouths, and it seemed to them that they had never before tasted anything so sweet as this. They went aboard their ship again and sailed into a certain sound, which lay between the island and a cape, which jutted out from the land on the north, and they stood in westering past the cape. At ebb-tide, there were broad reaches of shallow water there, and they ran their ship aground there, and it was a long distance from the ship to the ocean; yet were they so anxious to go ashore that they could not wait until the tide should rise under their ship, but hastened to the land, where a certain river flows out from a lake. As soon as the tide rose beneath their ship, however, they took the boat and rowed to the ship, which they conveyed up the river, and so into the lake, where they cast anchor and carried their hammocks ashore from the ship and built themselves cabins there.

They afterward determined to establish themselves there for the winter, and they accordingly built a large house. There was no lack of salmon there either in the river or in the lake, and larger salmon than they had ever seen before. The country thereabouts seemed to be possessed of such good qualities that cattle would need no fodder there during the winters. There was no frost there in the winters, and the grass withered but little. The days and nights there were of more nearly equal length than in Greenland or Iceland. On the shortest day of winter, the sun was up between 7:30 and 3:30 [suggesting a latitude of about 50°]. When they had completed their house, Leif said to his companions, “I propose now to divide our company into two groups, and to set about an exploration of the country. One-half of our party shall remain at home at the house, while the other half shall investigate the land; and they must not go beyond a point from which they can return home the same evening, and are not to separate [from each other]. Thus they did for a time. Leif, himself, by turns joined the exploring party, or remained behind at the house. Leif was a large a powerful man, and of a most imposing bearing; a man of sagacity, and a very just man in all things.

Erik the Red also died that winter. There was now much talk about Leif’s Vinland journey; and his brother, Thorvald, held that the country had not been sufficiently explored. Thereupon Leif said to Thorvald, “If it be thy will, brother, thou mayest go to Vinland with my ship.” And so it was done.

They were soon provided with an abundant and goodly supply of food; for a whale of good size and quality was driven ashore there, and they secured it, and flensed it, and had then no lack of provisions. The cattle were turned out upon the land, and the males soon became very restless and vicious: they had brought a bull with them. Karlsefni caused trees to be felled and to be hewed into timbers wherewith to load his ship, and the wood was placed upon a cliff to dry. They gathered somewhat of all of the valuable products of the land: grapes, and all kinds of game and fish, and other good things. In the summer succeeding the first winter Skrellings were discovered. A great troop of men came forth from out the woods. The cattle were hard by, and the bull began to bellow and roar with a great noise, whereat the Skrellings were frightened, and ran away with their packs, wherein were gray furs, sables, and all kinds of pelts. They fled towards Karlsefni’s dwelling and sought to effect an entrance into the house; but Karlsefni caused the doors to be defended [against them].

Source: Leif Erikson’s Discovery of America, from the Saga of Erik the Red (1387) in American historical documents, 1000-1904: with introductions and notes . New York: P.F. Collier, c1910. The Harvard Classics v. 43. https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/mod/1000Vinland.asp

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Leif Erikson

October 22, 2023 7 min read Legendary Viking Viking Conquest Viking History

Leif Erikson | The Greatest Explorer of the Viking Age

Who doesn't know the story that tells the journey of Christopher Columbus, the great explorer who discovered the Americas? However, the credit does not entirely belong to him since these lands were known by the Vikings nearly half a century earlier .

It was actually Leif Erikson, a great Viking explorer , who crossed the Atlantic in search of Vinland. Between myth and reality, the story of this legendary Viking has not been fully preserved. Nevertheless, we are able to trace the countless exploits of this successful navigator.

So who is the famous Leif Erikson? What are his origins? Did he really discover the new continent of America? We tell you all about the adventures of the hero of the Vinland Sagas !

The Legend of Leif Erikson: The First Viking to Set Foot in America

Although America is often presented as unexplored and wild lands before the modern colonists, history books tell a different story. In reality, the discovery of the New World , or rather Vinland, dates back to the Viking Age. Indeed, more than 500 years before Christopher Columbus, an entire cargo of Norsemen had already visited these lands.

According to legends, it was none other than Leif Erikson, the famous Viking explorer , who first discovered the continent. Although this adventure is often attributed to luck, geographical proximity and historical context support a different theory.

So, around the year 1000 AD, a European colony was trying as best as it could to make America its new nation. However, before we get there, let's discover the story of its expedition leader, Leif Erikson . Who is this emblematic character who earned the Vikings their legendary title of navigators?

Discover the surprising adventures of this Viking explorer who breathed new life into his endangered country!

Who is Leif Erikson?

Leif Erikson , or Leifr Eiríksson in Old Norse, is the second son of the famous Viking explorer Erik the Red . The latter is the Viking who founded the very first Norse colony in Greenland , the land where Leif would grow up.

However, before achieving glory throughout the Viking civilization , Erik the Red, whose real name was Erik Thorvaldsson , had lost everything. It was only once exiled from his native land, Iceland, that he embarked on the adventure that would forever engrave his name in history.

Following in his father's footsteps, Leif Erikson becomes the greatest Viking adventurer in history. Although he is nicknamed Leif "the Lucky," his achievements are far from being due to chance since he is the first European explorer to have gone to America. He named this new land " Vinland " because grapes were found in abundance there.

Thus, shortly after the death of Erik the Red, Leif succeeded him as master and king of Greenland . In turn, his son Thorkel took over around the year 1025 AD, which could therefore correspond to the year of his death.

Be that as it may, let's discover in more detail the story of Leif Erikson and his fabulous adventure that led him to Vinland!

The Story of Leif Erikson: The Vinland Saga

According to the legends of Norse mythology, Jörmungand is a giant serpent that encircles the entire world. This terrible creature, which lives in the sea, devours all ships that approach too close to the edge of the world. Faced with the ferocity of the oceans, this myth discouraged most Vikings from venturing too far west.

However, Leif Erikson was quite different from other Vikings. From a young age, he was marked by the wars and conflicts that existed between the powerful Vikings of Iceland. Although his father's exile to Greenland gave him a new start, his new homeland was struck by famine due to the harsh winters.

More determined than ever to leave behind the barbarity of the Viking world , Leif Erikson decided to find a new, less hostile land. Still a teenager, he did not yet know that this dream would lead him to the discovery of Vinland .

The Origin of Leif Erikson

As with many other Viking personalities, many mysteries surround Leif's life. Indeed, the majority of the information we have about this character comes from the famous Vinland Sagas .

The Vinland Sagas are two Icelandic books that recount the Norse expeditions that led to the discovery of the American continent. They were written around the 13th century, that is more than 200 years after Leif Erikson's voyages took place. They are:

The Saga of Erik the Red : it recounts the colonization of Greenland, then the discovery of Vinland. Although this book bears the name of Erik the Red, it is much more interested in Thorfinn Karlsefni . He is the disciple of Leif Erikson who will follow the same path of Viking explorer.
The Saga of the Greenlanders or Grænlendinga saga : according to historians' research, this is the most reliable version of the discovery of Vinland . It is entirely based on the accounts of Viking traditions.

Today, there is no longer a version of this saga. These texts have been preserved in another book, the Flateyjarbók .

Even though these two works are the closest sources to reality, the Nordic tradition is mainly transmitted orally. This is undoubtedly the reason why there are several versions of the story of Leif Erikson .

Leif Erikson, the Young Man with an Unprecedented Destiny

Leif Erikson is presumably born in Iceland, his homeland , around the year 970 to 980 AD. Sources are not formal, but he would have spent a large part of his childhood alongside his mother, Thjodhild .

From a young age, he would have had a taste for navigation and exploration. Just before the year 1000 AD, he went to Norway. It was during this trip that Leif would have learned to be a good offshore sailor. He then became one of the servants of the royal court of King Olaf I Tryggvason.

During his stay, the young Viking Leif Erikson was converted to Christianity . After a few years, he was urged to return to his homeland, Greenland, to spread Christianity there.

The fruit of chance would have changed the destination of this expedition, and would have propelled the young explorer straight towards his destiny. He does not yet know that he will not return to Greenland for several years , after having achieved a real feat.

The Dreamed Land: Vinland

A large number of tales recount Leif Erikson's journey to Vinland , as marvelous as each other. The circumstances and events differ, but the essence of the story is very real: Leif Erikson is the first European to have set foot in America.

How Did Leif Erikson Find Vinland?

Historical sources indicate that Leif Erikson would have discovered North America around the year 1000 AD . There are two versions that would explain how the explorer ended up in Vinland:

According to The Saga of the Greenlanders , in the section The Book of Flat Islands , Leif Erikson would have learned of the existence of unexplored lands to the west from an Icelandic merchant, Bjarni Herjolfsson . He would have lost his way during a storm, and he would have ended up there 15 years before, without ever setting foot there. After learning of the existence of these fertile lands, Leif would have organized an expedition to discover them. This is the most plausible version, and it is adopted by many historians.
The Saga of Erik the Red describes a completely different course of events. It would be during his grand return to Greenland, in order to spread his new faith, that he would have discovered the new continent. He would have encountered a storm on his way that would have changed his initial trajectory. He thus ended up in North America by chance.

The Discovery of Vinland, the Land of Vines

The young explorer finally arrived in Vinland, the coveted land that the Viking people dreamed of. In contrast to his homeland, cold and hostile, North America was greener, and rich in natural resources . He discovered endless meadows where crops were abundant. Leif Erikson decided to call this new country Vinland, or land of vines. He would have found numerous plots of vines there.

This land of free men knew neither conflict nor slavery. It was a new beginning for the Nordic people who had long lived in difficult conditions. That is why Vinland was considered to be a paradise on earth , and why many other expeditions were carried out to this fairy-tale land.

Leif Erikson is thus the first explorer in the world to have set foot on the American continent. Shortly thereafter, he founded his first colony, Leifbudir . He thus extended the Vikings' territory to a new continent.

Where is Vinland?

The exact location of Vinland is still a mystery today . Historians and archaeologists have long debated this question. The most plausible hypothesis is that Vinland corresponds to the current region of Newfoundland in Canada.

Leif Erikson had divided the places into several regions based on their characteristics. These include:

Helluland, or the land of flat rocks: which would correspond to Labrador or Frobisher Bay , further north.
Markland, or the land of forests, which would be located around Newfoundland .
And finally Vinland, which remains a mystery to this day. Studies conducted in 1960 suggest that L'Anse aux Meadows could be a historical site founded by the Vikings , presumably the famous land of vines.

The Legacy of the Greatest Viking Explorer

After years of adventures in the most distant lands and seas, Leif Erikson made a name and reputation for himself . He was one of the greatest explorers to have made a mark in the region. He became a major player in the area.

He would have returned to Greenland to never return to Vinland again . He continued his mission and tried to convert the Vikings to Christianity. While his father, Erik the Red, categorically refused, his mother complied, and built the first church in Viking lands . A few years later, his father passed away, and he inherited his position as leader of Greenland.

Other expeditions were made towards the new continent, but none of them were fruitful. His brothers, Thorvald and Thorstein, settled there respectively in 1002 and 1003 AD. It is said that there were numerous conflicts between the Native Americans and the colonists at the Viking bases, and that they eventually expelled the Vikings from their lands.

Leif Erikson's first son , Thorgils, who is believed to be an illegitimate child, wanted to follow in his father's footsteps in America. His other son, Thorkel Leifsson, is said to have become the leader of Greenland after his death in 1025 AD.

Leif Erikson Soon in the Viking Series?

The Viking navigator Leif Erikson is not featured in the original Viking series. However, his appearance is planned for the spin-off Vikings: Valhalla , which is scheduled to be released at the end of 2021 on Netflix.

Will Leif Erikson's character and the historical facts be fully reproduced? We certainly hope so! The Viking series Valhalla details the story of the new era of Vikings , so it is predicted that Leif Erikson will be at the center of the action.

Leif Erikson is also featured in the historical manga Vinland Saga . Even though the course of the story does not accurately trace the adventures of this Viking personality, it is clearly stated that he was the first to discover the new continent.

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Leif Eriksson

Published Online June 13, 2006

Last Edited October 12, 2018

Leif Eriksson (Old Norse Leifr Eiríksson, a.k.a. Leifr hinn heppni , Leif the Lucky), explorer, chieftain (born in the 970s CE in Iceland; died between 1018 and 1025 in Greenland). Leif Eriksson was the first European to explore the east coast of North America, including areas that are now part of Arctic and Atlantic Canada. Upon the death of his father, Erik the Red , Leif became paramount chieftain of the Norse colony in Greenland . The two main sources on him are The Saga of the Greenlanders and The Saga of Erik the Red . There are also references to him in The Saga of Olaf Tryggvason and The Saga of St. Olaf .

Early Life and Education

Leif Eriksson was one of three sons born to Erik the Red — the first colonizer of Greenland — and his wife, Thjodhild. Leif moved with his parents from Iceland to Greenland around the year 985. In the 990s, Leif presented himself at the court of King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway, who “showed him much honour, as Leif appeared to him to be a man of good breeding.” To serve a respected ruler was part of the education of any well-bred young Norseman.

According to some sources, Leif converted to Christianity at Olaf’s urging, and when Leif announced his intention to return to Greenland, Olaf provided him with a priest and other clergy and commanded him to introduce Christianity there. Many scholars have doubted this early event, believing that it would have taken place a decade or more after the year 1000. However, archaeological evidence from the Greenland colony has indicated the existence of a Christian church and a surrounding cemetery where people were buried beginning in the 990s. Leif’s own beliefs aside, the bond of loyalty between him and Olaf — and the status Leif would have gained by having the king’s support — are enough to explain why he might have undertaken the religious mission.

Explorations

Leif is best known for his explorations in North America, which he undertook around the year 1000. The stories of his role vary. In The Saga of the Greenlanders , which survives only in a manuscript written in 1387, Leif decides to explore areas observed by the Icelander Bjarni Herjolfsson fifteen years earlier, when Bjarni’s ship blew off course on its way from Iceland to Greenland . Bjarni had observed three areas, which, from north to south, Leif named Helluland , Markland and Vínland .

Helluland, meaning Land of Stone Slabs, was a landscape of glaciers , mountains and rock. It is thought to be the area from Baffin Island and Resolution Island in Nunavut to the Torngat Mountains in northern Labrador . Farther south was Markland (Land of Forests), which was probably a large region around Hamilton Inlet in central Labrador. South of Markland, around the Gulf of St. Lawrence , was Vinland (Land of Wine), so named because the Norse explorers discovered wild grapes there.

In The Saga of the Greenlanders , Leif establishes a base for further exploration in Vinland, calling it Leifsbúðir (Leif’s Camp). The exact location of this camp remains a topic of debate among scholars, some of whom have proposed that it is L’Anse aux Meadows in northern Newfoundland .

The Vinland sagas contain several vivid scenes of encounters with Indigenous peoples who would have been ancestors of the Mi’kmaq , the Beothuk and the Innu . It is unclear, however, whether Leif was present during any of these encounters, in part because the stories have been conflated and woven into each other.

The Saga of Erik the Red , written in the early 14th century, reduces Leif’s role in favour of Icelander Thorfinn Karlsefni . Thorfinn assumes Leif’s role as explorer, and the saga names Leif, rather than Bjarni, as the sailor who was blown within sight of North America in a storm. Leif’s travels become condensed into a couple of confused sentences listing the main resources of Vinland: grapes, fine lumber and self-sown wheat fields. The change in the story was intentional. This version was written to boost the reputation of Thorfinn Karlsefni and his wife, Gudrid, for the glory of their descendants.

( See also Norse Voyages .)

Leadership and Chieftainship

Leif is described in The Saga of the Greenlanders as having all the qualities that define the Norse ideal of a leader: “tall and strong, of striking appearance, shrewd, and in every aspect moderate and wise.” He became “very wealthy and was held in much respect.” Even his eyesight was better than most. On his return to Greenland from Vinland, he spotted 15 men shipwrecked on a reef well before his crew could see them. He showed the shipwrecked men hospitality befitting a leader, organizing lodgings for the group and inviting their leader and his family to spend the winter with him. After this, Leif was called Leif the Lucky ( Leifr hinn heppni ).

Did you know? In Old Norse, heppin does not stand for luck in the contemporary sense of the word. According to Nordic mythology specialist Bettina Sejbjerg Sommer, it refers to “a quality inherent in the man and his lineage, a part of his personality similar to his strength, intelligence, or skill with weapons, at once both the cause and the expression of the success, wealth, and power of a family … a hero was a man of luck.” In the minds of the Norse, Leif was not “lucky” because of his accomplishments. It was the other way around. He managed to do what he did because of his happ , his luck.

Upon the death of his father, Erik, shortly after 1000 CE, Leif took over the family estate at Brattahlid, Greenland. He became paramount chieftain of the colony Erik had founded. Leif never revisited Vinland as chieftain, but he authorized members of his family to seek it out.

Leif was still alive in 1018 when, according to The Saga of St. Olaf , King Olaf II sent his conquered adversary Hraerik “to Leif Eriksson in Greenland.” Olaf hoped that the colony’s remoteness would ensure that Hraerik would never return. By roughly 1025, Leif was dead and his son Thorkell was the chieftain at Brattahlid, according to The Saga of the Sworn Brothers . Brattahlid continued to be the paramount chieftain seat, but it is not known whether Leif’s descendants continued as leaders.

Personal Life

Leif’s wife is not mentioned in any source, and little is known about his descendants except that he had two sons. One, named Thorgils, was conceived out of wedlock in the Hebrides (a series of islands off the west coast of Scotland) during Leif’s early voyage to Norway. Thorgils’s mother was Thorgunna, a Hebridean noblewoman. While Leif acknowledged Thorgils as his son, he refused to marry Thorgunna — a slight that she suggested Thorgils would repay when he came of age: “it’s my guess that he will serve you as well as you have served me now with your departure.” She eventually sent Thorgils to Greenland, where people viewed him as having something strange about him. Leif’s other son, Thorkell, was presumably born to Leif and his wife, making him the legitimate heir to Brattahlid and the chieftainship.

Significance

Leif Eriksson was the first European to explore what is now eastern Canada, from the Arctic to New Brunswick , around 1000 CE. He made these voyages nearly five hundred years before Christopher Columbus’s journey across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492. Today, efforts by archaeologists to conclusively establish the location of Leif’s short-lived base in Vinland are ongoing .

A statue of Leif Eriksson in Reykjavik, Iceland. Photo taken in 2016. (Courtesy Plashing Vole/flickr CC)

Norse voyages
colonization
exploration

External Links

Great Unsolved Mysteries in Canadian History: Where is Vinland?

The Norse in the North Atlantic

Learn about early Viking voyages to North America on this website from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Exploration

Bjarni herjolfsson, norse voyages, erik the red, l’anse aux meadows, colonization.

Universe Unriddled

crew navigating their longship under the guidance of the North Star, Polaris

Leif Erikson’s Celestial Voyage: Using Stars to Reach North America

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Universe Unriddled

Introduction to Leif Erikson

A world without GPS or smartphones, where the vast ocean stretches beyond the horizon, mysterious and uncharted. Into this world sails a daring explorer named Leif Erikson, a Viking adventurer with a heart as vast as the seas he sought to traverse. Leif didn’t have a map that told him where to go or a phone to call for directions. Instead, he looked up at the night sky, where a twinkling sea of stars guided his way to a land unknown, a place we now call North America.

a Viking adventurer he looked up at the night sky, where a twinkling sea of stars guided his way to a land unknown, a place we now call North America

Leif Erikson’s journey was no ordinary trip. It was a celestial voyage, using the stars as his compass, sailing through unending waters, and making history. Can you imagine using only the stars to find your way to a new continent? It sounds like something out of a magical tale, but for Leif and his Viking crew, it was very much real.

As we dive into the story of Leif Erikson’s incredible journey, we’ll explore how he used celestial navigation, relying on the stars to guide his way across the ocean. We’ll step into the world of Vikings, fierce and brave, and discover how Leif Erikson reached the shores of North America long before other famous explorers.

So, buckle up for an adventure across time and sea, as we follow Leif Erikson’s celestial voyage to North America. You’ll learn about the stars that lit his path, the challenges he faced, and the legacy he left behind. Are you ready to explore the mysteries of the past and discover how one explorer’s starry journey changed the world? Let’s set sail into the story of Leif Erikson, a true navigator of the stars!

The Journey to North America

Imagine you’re playing your favorite video game, and you discover a secret level no one knew existed. That’s a bit like what happened with Leif Erikson, a brave Viking explorer, except his adventure wasn’t in a game—it was in the real world, on the vast and mysterious ocean.

Overview of Erikson’s Journey

Leif Erikson set out on his journey around the year 1000. Think of it like this: if the world was a huge, unexplored forest, Leif decided to take a path that nobody had taken before. He and his crew boarded their sturdy Viking ships, which were like the minivans of the sea, but way cooler because they could handle the roughest waters and didn’t need roads to find their way.

Leif Erikson and his fleet of Viking longships

Their journey was like a road trip without a map or GPS. Instead of following street signs, they followed the stars. These stars were like their guiding lights, leading them across the ocean. After sailing through rough waters and facing the unknown, Leif and his crew reached a place they called Vinland, which is part of what we now know as North America, way before Columbus even thought about making his trip.

Why Erikson Set Sail for New Lands

Now, you might wonder why Leif decided to go on this risky adventure. Well, Vikings were curious and bold, always looking for new places to explore, just like how you might feel the urge to explore every corner of a new game level. They wanted to find new lands for farming, as the places they lived in Europe were getting crowded, and good farming land was hard to come by. It’s like when you’re playing a game, and you need to find new resources to build your base or craft new items.

Leif also heard tales from other explorers about lands to the west, full of resources waiting to be discovered. Think of it as hearing rumors about a hidden treasure in a game that no one has found yet. Wouldn’t you want to go and find it? That’s what Leif did—he set sail to uncover these mysteries himself.

In his journey to North America, Leif Erikson showed the world that with courage, curiosity, and the stars as your guide, you can discover new worlds. Just like how in games or life, exploring the unknown can lead to exciting adventures and new opportunities. So, next time you look up at the night sky, remember the story of Leif Erikson and how the stars guided him to discover a whole new part of the world.

Celestial Navigation

Imagine you’re in the middle of a huge, open field at night, no streetlights, no signs, just you and the stars twinkling above. Now, think about finding your way home just by looking at those stars. This might sound like a puzzle, but it’s exactly what ancient explorers did at sea. This method is called celestial navigation, and it’s like using the night sky as a map.

What is Celestial Navigation?

Celestial navigation is like playing connect the dots with the stars to find out where you are and where you’re going. Long ago, sailors looked up at the sky and used the position of the stars, the sun, the moon, and the planets to help them navigate the vast oceans. They didn’t have smartphones or GPS, so the sky was their guide.

Think of the North Star, also known as Polaris. It always stays in the same spot in the sky, right above the North Pole. Sailors could look up, find Polaris, and know which way was north. It was like having a natural compass made of stars.

The Role of Celestial Navigation in Historical Explorations

Celestial navigation wasn’t just a cool trick; it was crucial for explorers who wanted to venture into unknown parts of the world. Imagine being a sailor hundreds of years ago, heading out into the ocean where there are no landmarks, no roads, and no way to call for directions. The open sea is like a giant, featureless desert, but instead of sand, there’s water everywhere.

Famous explorers like Leif Erikson, Christopher Columbus, and many others relied on celestial navigation to cross oceans and discover new lands. Without the ability to navigate by the stars, they might have ended up sailing in circles or getting lost at sea.

For example, when Leif Erikson set sail for North America, he couldn’t stop and ask for directions. Instead, he and his crew observed the sky. By understanding the patterns of the stars and the movement of celestial bodies, they could figure out their location and keep their ship on course, even when no land was in sight.

In a way, celestial navigation was the ancient version of GPS. Just as we use satellites in space to find our way today, sailors used the stars, sun, moon, and planets as their guides. It was an incredible blend of science, art, and survival, allowing humans to explore and connect different parts of our world.

Celestial navigation shows us how ingenious humans can be, using the natural world to solve complex problems. It reminds us that sometimes, looking up at the sky can give us not just beauty and wonder but also direction and purpose. So next time you look at the stars, remember the adventurers who navigated vast oceans with nothing but the night sky to guide them.

Techniques Used by Vikings

Imagine being a detective, but instead of solving mysteries with clues like footprints or fingerprints, you use the stars in the sky. That’s pretty much what the Vikings did with celestial navigation. They were like the ultimate sky detectives, using tools and methods to uncover the secrets of the sea.

Tools and Methods for Celestial Navigation

The Vikings didn’t have telescopes or smartphones, but they had their own cool gadgets for navigating. One of these was the sun compass , a device that helped them figure out directions during the day. Think of it as an ancient GPS, using the position of the sun to point the way.

Another amazing tool was the “sunstone” , a special crystal they believed could locate the sun even on cloudy days . It’s like having a secret decoder that can see the sun through the clouds, ensuring they never lost their way.

At night, the Vikings would switch from sun to stars. They paid close attention to the North Star , Polaris, because it always hangs out in the same spot in the sky, right above the North Pole. It was their fixed point, their guiding light, ensuring they were sailing in the right direction.

How These Techniques Were Applied by Vikings

Using these tools and the night sky, Vikings became masters of the sea. They could sail from Norway to far-off places without getting lost. It was a mix of science, intuition, and a deep understanding of nature. By observing the sky and using their navigation tools, Vikings explored more of the world than most people of their time.

The Stars of Leif Erikson’s Voyage

Leif Erikson’s journey was like a grand puzzle, with the stars as the pieces. He and his crew had to fit these pieces together to find their way to North America.

Specific Stars and Constellations Used by Erikson

Besides Polaris, the Vikings were familiar with many stars and constellations. They might have used the Big Dipper to help find Polaris. Think of the Big Dipper as a big spoon in the sky, with the two stars at the end of the spoon pointing straight to Polaris.

a Viking longship at sea during the night, set against a backdrop of the starry sky featuring the constellations Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper, with Polaris shining brightly

Another constellation could have been Cassiopeia , which looks like a big “W” or “M” in the sky, depending on the time of year. It’s on the opposite side of Polaris from the Big Dipper, providing another reference point to ensure they stayed on course.

Navigation Challenges and How They Were Overcome

Imagine playing a video game where the map keeps changing, and you have to reach a destination without clear directions. That’s similar to the challenges Leif Erikson faced. The sea was unpredictable, the weather could change quickly, and there were no signs pointing to North America.

The Vikings overcame these challenges with their knowledge of the stars and the sea. They understood the patterns of the stars and how to read the ocean’s currents and waves. When storms came, they used their skills to keep the ship steady and on course, using the stars as their guide whenever they appeared.

Through their ingenious use of celestial navigation, the Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, embarked on one of the greatest adventures in history. They show us that with creativity, observation, and an understanding of nature, it’s possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges. So, next time you look up at the stars, remember the Vikings and their incredible journeys across the seas.

Arrival in North America

Imagine you’re on a long car ride, and after hours of driving, you finally see the big, welcoming sign of your favorite amusement park. That’s a bit how Leif Erikson and his crew felt when they first saw the shores of North America—except they were on a ship, and instead of an amusement park, they discovered a whole new world.

The Landing Site and First Encounters

Leif Erikson and his Vikings are believed to have landed in a place they called Vinland, which most historians think is today’s Newfoundland, Canada. Picture it like arriving at a huge, untouched park, full of tall trees, green grass, and wild grapes—that’s why they named it Vinland, meaning “Wine Land.”

Leif Erikson and his Vikings first landed in what they named Vinland, capturing the pristine and untouched natural beauty of the landscape. With tall trees, lush greenery, and wild grapes, the scene encapsulates the wonder and discovery of this historic moment, reflecting the adventurous spirit of the Vikings as they step into a new world

Their first encounters were probably with the Native Americans, known as the Skrælingar to the Vikings. Imagine meeting someone who speaks a totally different language and has never seen anything like you before. It must have been like two worlds colliding, full of curiosity and confusion.

Evidence of Viking Presence in North America

Archaeologists have found evidence of Viking presence in North America, like at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. This site is like a real-life history book, with remains of Viking buildings, tools, and artifacts. It’s as if the Vikings left behind clues for us to discover, telling us, “Yes, we were here!”

Impact of the Voyage

Leif Erikson’s journey was like opening a door to a room that everyone thought was locked. His voyage showed that it was possible to sail across the Atlantic and reach new lands, changing the course of history.

How Erikson’s Journey Influenced Subsequent Explorations

Leif’s journey lit a spark of curiosity and adventure in Europe. Imagine if your friend found a secret path to a hidden treasure. Wouldn’t you want to explore it too? That’s what happened after Erikson’s voyage. Other explorers started to dream about what lay beyond the horizon, setting the stage for future explorations to the Americas.

The Legacy of Viking Exploration in Modern Times

Today, Leif Erikson’s legacy lives on in stories, movies, and celebrations like Leif Erikson Day in the United States. His journey reminds us of the spirit of exploration and discovery that drives humanity to explore new frontiers, whether it’s the depths of the ocean or the far reaches of space.

The Vikings’ courage to sail into the unknown has inspired generations to keep exploring, asking questions, and seeking answers about our world and beyond. So next time you embark on a journey, remember Leif Erikson and the Vikings, who showed us that the world is more connected than we might think, and there’s always something new to discover.

Leif Erikson’s journey to North America and the Viking explorations that followed have left a lasting impact on history, inspiring us to keep exploring and discovering the unknown. Their adventures remind us that with bravery, curiosity, and a sense of adventure, there’s no limit to what we can discover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about leif erikson and his journey.

Who was Leif Erikson? Leif Erikson was a Norse explorer from Iceland, known for leading the first European expedition to North America, centuries before Christopher Columbus. He is believed to have landed in a place he called Vinland, thought to be modern-day Newfoundland, Canada.

How did celestial navigation help Vikings reach North America? Celestial navigation involved using the sun, moon, stars, and planets to determine direction and position at sea. Vikings, including Erikson, used tools like sun compasses and knowledge of the night sky, particularly the North Star, to navigate the vast Atlantic Ocean to reach North America.

What evidence do we have of Viking presence in North America? The most significant evidence is the archaeological site at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. This site contains the remains of a Viking settlement, including buildings, tools, and artifacts, confirming Norse presence in North America around the year 1000.

Why is Leif Erikson’s voyage significant? Leif Erikson’s voyage is significant because it represents the first known European exploration of North America, opening the door for future exploration and interaction between Europe and the Americas. It highlights the adventurous spirit and navigational skills of the Vikings, centuries before other European explorations.

Recommended Resources

Books on amazon.

Note that the links on this page are Amazon affiliate links and the site will earn a small commission when you make your purchase, at no addiontail cost you and you support our site. Thanks in advance for your support!

“The Saga of Erik the Red” : Offers insight into Viking expeditions to Greenland and Vinland.
“The Norsemen in the Viking Age” by Eric Christiansen : Details the life and times of Vikings, including their explorations.

The Sea Wolves: A History of the Vikings

“Sea Wolves: The Viking Exploration of North America” by Lars Brownworth

In The Sea Wolves , chronicles the daring voyages of the Vikings to North America. Lars Brownworth brings to life this extraordinary Norse world of epic poets, heroes, and travellers through the stories of the great Viking figures. Among others, Leif the Lucky who discovered a new world

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Vinland Saga: The Importance of Leif Ericson, Explained

Throughout the first two seasons of Vinland Saga, Leif Ericson remains an important figure in the story's lore, despite his lack of screen time.

Leif Ericson's character in Vinland Saga is based on the historical figure of Leif Erikson, who is also credited for his discovery of Vinland.
From the age of six, Thorfinn has always had Leif in his life, from re-telling stories of his voyages to spending over a decade and a half trying to find him and bring Thorfinn back home.
Leif is a kind-hearted person who sometimes comes off as brash, but always has the best interests of those around him in mind, earning the nickname "Leif The Lucky" for his willingness to risk his life to save another.

Introduced in the introductory episode of Vinland Saga 's first season, Leif Ericson has been a prominent figure in the life of Thorfinn from The War Arc until the conclusion of season two. In telling the accounts of his many voyages as a young man to the children of his town, the audience grows to learn about his love for the seas and a tendency to slightly exaggerate stories to capture the attention of those who listen. Kind-hearted, wise, and full of hope for a prosperous future, it's not difficult to see why the townspeople love him for his wisdom and passion for traveling.

One of the many children who paid extra attention to Leif's stories was six-year-old Thorfinn, who had a special glimmer of light in his eyes and fantasized about the beautiful landscapes and abundance of wealth. Thorfinn holds aspirations of voyaging to faraway lands, but his eagerness to travel to the sea supersedes his young age, a fact Leif points out to him. It's clear as early as the opening episode how important Leif is to Thorfinn and his family , as well as the entire story of Vinland Saga .

RELATED: What Makes Vinland Saga A Masterpiece

Leif Ericson's Early Voyages

Before the events of Vinland Saga 's story, Leif's journey begins with his move to Greenland, where he and a crew of six men find themselves in dire straits. After their ship crashes into an iceberg and they are incapable of moving their food supply runs short, causing them to seek shelter. After walking for two days straight in harsh weather and snow, all six of Leif's men pass away, leaving him alone as he continues to search for an escape from the cold. His travels would last several years before he discovered a land he would dub Vinland, meeting with residents and natives alike. As part of his story for the children, Leif displays his smoking pipe and headdress, two gifts he received from the native people.

The character of Leif has been told in many series before Vinland Saga , such as his role in Vikings Valhalla , painting an idea of how important he is in history. The narrative sold in Vinland Saga closely resembles the story of Leif Erikson's real-life ventures. Like in Vinland Saga , the historical figure is believed to have discovered Vinland after being blown off course on his way from Norway to Greenland. The inspiration drawn from the history books is evident as Leif's story in Vinland Saga pays respect to the real Leif Erikson, using his friendly demeanor and ability to make peace as a settler to shape Leif in the anime series in a re-telling of his discovery of Vinland.

While his account of how it all happened may be flawed, and the belief of him being a great warrior couldn't be further from the truth, Leif Ericson was capable of making trips to Vinland and successfully trading and making peace with the local people. His peaceful nature and willingness to lend a hand and put his life on the line to save another earned him the nickname "Leif The Lucky" among Vinland residents.

A Caring Nature Towards Thorfinn

Knowing he was the son of Thors and a child full of hope and aspirations, Leif always took special care of Thorfinn when telling him of his past and the lessons he picked up along the way. Recognizing the fire that burns within Thorfinn as he expresses a heavy interest in voyages, Leif warns him of the dangers that lie ahead — from the treacherous waters and unforgiving ice to the threats from opposing factions. Leif experienced these dangers and more during his voyages and knows what it's like to have the desire to travel and the cruel reality of what one may encounter along the way.

RELATED: More Anime Need To Be Licensed Like Vinland Saga

As harsh as Leif may have come off with Thorfinn at first, it's clear to say his true nature was one of care. After Thors' death and the disappearance of Thorfinn, it's Leif who is the one to step up and make it his task to find him and bring him home. Admitting to his shortcomings of not watching out for Thorfinn and discouraging him from the seas, Leif takes it upon himself to be the one to find Thorfinn, even if it means brushing up with Vikings. With the motivation of bringing Thorfinn home , Leif is willing to risk his life to save the one he believes he failed to protect.

Leif Never Gave Up Hope

After a decade of Thorfinn traveling with Askeladd and his Viking crew , one would assume Leif was out of the picture and had given up on finding Thorfinn, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In Episode 21, fittingly titled "Reunion," Leif comes face-to-face with an older Thorfinn for the first time since losing him. The shock at his sight sends Leif into a whimper, watching the young boy brutally murder someone in front of his eyes to protect Askeladd. Thorfinn doesn't recognize him at first, but as Leif confronts him on being the son of Thors, the realization sets in and results in a beautiful reunion between the two.

Unfortunately for Leif, his idea of bringing Thorfinn back home is quickly cast aside, as Thorfinn has no interest in returning to his family. With his motivation set to being the person who kills Askeladd, Thorfinn rejects Leif's offer. While the shock of the matter sets in for Leif, his inability to let things slide leads to him promising Thorfinn that he will wait for him in York. Unknowing when Thorfinn may be ready, his desire to be there for him when the time comes is a beautiful showing of his love for Thorfinn, which comes during a time when he needs it the most.

This continues into Vinland Saga 's second season , as Leif is hot on the trail of Thorfinn once more, this time knowing of his sale into slavery. Comedically, he also adopts a blonde-haired young man and gives him the name of Thorfinn. After discovering his whereabouts, Leif offers to buy Thorfinn from the farm of Ketil, regardless of the high price that may come. Finally fulfilling his quest of bringing Thorfinn home, a journey that occurs over 16 years, there is none prouder to see Thorfinn reunite with his family than Leif. Standing proudly by the sidelines as he allows Thorfinn the spotlight it calls for in that moment, the bond between the two characters remains important to Vinland Saga .

Vinland Saga is available to stream on Amazon Prime .

MORE: Vinland Saga Might Have Introduced Its Scariest Character Yet

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Great Adventures: ‘Lucky’ Leif Ericson
Leif Erikson Explorer Facts For Kids
Leif Erikson Route

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COMMENTS

Leif Eriksson
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Leif Erikson
Leif Erikson, also known as Leif the Lucky (c. 970s - c. 1018 to 1025), was a Norse explorer who is thought to have been the first European to set foot on continental America, approximately half a millennium before Christopher Columbus. According to the sagas of Icelanders, he established a Norse settlement at Vinland, which is usually interpreted as being coastal North America.
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Leif Eriksson
Leif Eriksson (Old Norse Leifr Eiríksson, a.k.a. Leifr hinn heppni, Leif the Lucky), explorer, chieftain (born in the 970s CE in Iceland; died between 1018 and...
Leif Erikson's Celestial Voyage: Using Stars to Reach North America
The Stars of Leif Erikson's Voyage. Leif Erikson's journey was like a grand puzzle, with the stars as the pieces. He and his crew had to fit these pieces together to find their way to North America. Specific Stars and Constellations Used by Erikson. Besides Polaris, the Vikings were familiar with many stars and constellations.
Leif Eriksson Interactive Map
Click on the world map to view an example of the explorer's voyage. How to Use the Map. After opening the map, click the icon to expand voyage information. You can view each voyage individually or all at once by clicking on the to check or uncheck the voyage information. Click on either the map icons or on the location name in the expanded ...
Leif Erikson's Voyage to the New World
Leif Erikson's Voyage to the New World. An overview of Leif Erikson's journey to Vinland.
Vinland Saga: The Importance of Leif Ericson, Explained
Highlights. Leif Ericson's character in Vinland Saga is based on the historical figure of Leif Erikson, who is also credited for his discovery of Vinland. From the age of six, Thorfinn has always ...

Leif Eriksson

Who Was Leif Eriksson?

QUICK FACTS

European Explorers

Leif Erikson: The Full Story (History, Facts & Timeline)

Leif Erikson is born in Iceland

Leif is sent to Fight for Norwegian King Olaf I, who baptizes him

When and Why is Leif Erikson Day Celebrated?

Leif’s father Erik the Red Discovers and Settles in Greenland with His Family

Who Was Leif Erikson? Leif’s Origins & Persona

The Adventures & History of Leif Erikson

Leif Erikson’s Family

Leif Erikson’s Sons: Thorgils and Thorkell

Leif Erikson’s Sister: Freydis Eiriksdottir

Leif Erikson’s Legacy

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By Karl Andersson

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Leif Erikson: The Norse Explorer Who Pioneered New Worlds

I. Early Life and Background

Norse Culture and Society

II. Leif Erikson’s Voyages

Discovery of Vinland

III. Historical Evidence and Sources

Archaeological Evidence

IV. Leif Erikson’s Legacy and Cultural Impact

Modern Recognition

V. Conclusion

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The Viking Explorer Who Beat Columbus to America

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Life and Adventures of Leif Eriksson

Early Life in a Seafaring Culture

The Journey to Greenland

Vinland Saga: The Discovery of a New World

Life in Vinland

Leif’s Return

Historical and Cultural Impact

Frequently asked questions about Leif Eriksson

When did Leif Eriksson discover America?

Where was Leif Eriksson from?

What lands did Leif Eriksson discover?

How did Leif Eriksson navigate?

What happened to Leif Eriksson’s settlements in Vinland?

Who was Leif Eriksson’s brother Thorvald?

Is there any archaeological evidence of Leif Eriksson’s voyages?

How is Leif Eriksson remembered today?

Did Leif Eriksson interact with indigenous peoples of North America?

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Years Before Columbus: Leif Erikson, His Life and His Voyage of Adventure to the New World

A Family History of Banishment and Adventure-Seeking

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Who Funded Leif Erikson’s Voyage?

Introduction

The Discovery of Vinland

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Leif Ericson Biography & The Vinland Voyages

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Leif Erikson

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